This is the third Ramadan that Muslim migrant workers in Singapore have lived confined, in gigantic and often overcrowded dormitories. These men, who come from Bangladesh in particular, still undergo different health rules from the rest of the population, which is resuming its normal life. Between hope and exhaustion, they tried despite everything to celebrate Eid el-Fitr.
With our regional correspondent, Gabrielle Marshals
The holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, Eid-el-Fitr, Zakir spent in his dormitory in Singapore. Like 300,000 other men, this Bangladeshi came to this ultra-modern city to help his family and build the futuristic “skyline” of Singapore. Around him today, confusion reigns. ” We weren’t sure if we could get out of the dormitory to go to the mosque and pray this morning. The information was unclear. In fact, some were able to and many others weren’t. Because to go out in fact, you have to go through an application where you can ask permission and have an access pass he says.
►Also read: Singapore: migrant workers facing violence and deprived of their freedom by Covid-19
Send photos to loved ones
Those who could not go out, says Zakir, still put on their party clothes to send photos to relatives some of whom have never yet met. ” One of the men in my room, his son was born just before Covid. Now he can talk, make video calls to his father, but they have never met physically. Another roommate of mine, he got married via video conference, in June 2020. But he still hasn’t met his wife in person “, continues Zakir.
With borders long closed, men who have often gone into debt to come to work, returning home has become a mirage for many